John Stanley Johnson

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - John Stanley Johnson, 82, of Wakefield, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, at his home.

He was born on Nov. 24, 1931, in Bessemer Township, a son of Stanley and Mary (Huhtala) Johnson. John attended the Wico and Wakefield Schools.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 14, 1954. John re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Feb. 9, 1955, and was honorably discharged on Oct. 3, 1957. While in the military, he joined the Whispering Wheels Motorcycle Club in Key West, Fla., and continued his membership in Ashland, Wis.

On Dec. 17, 1968, John was united in marriage to Lu Dene Marie Dums in Wakefield.

He was a log truck driver for Steiger Lumber Co. in Bessemer for many years.

John is survived by his wife, Lu Dene; three daughters, Hilda Sue Gatton, Statesville, N.C., Sheryl (Vance) Odeneal, Paris, Texas, and Sue Ann Johnson (Jim Chiapuzio), Bessemer; six grandchildren, Dr. Niki, Jamie and Jody (Emily) Gatton, Ryan Raye Odeneal, and Brett James and Allison Olivia Chiapuzio; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim (Darlene), North Bessemer; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son-in-law, Joe Gatton.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, from 10-11 a.m., at Lakeside Memorial Chapel, 806 Putnam St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Bill Jacobson, pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, officiating.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the funeral home under the auspices of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.